One of my dogs is a ~2y.o Westy/Bichon mix (Ralph), looks mostly westy to me. Just for some background, he's male and has been neutered. I've had dogs all my life and have trained others before if it matters.

Ralph, will still go pee and poop in the house regardless of what I do. He is a VERY good natured dog, always happy to see anyone, always happy period. He puts up with a lot of abuse from my 4y.o. daughter and her friends and he seems only happy to do it. I think he's a pretty smart dog, he just does dumb things.

Anyway, I've tried the usual rub his nose in it and put him outside, yelling, having the serious "bad dog" talk, making him sit there while I clean it up reinforcing the 'bad dog' part, and I'm sure a few other things and can't get it through to him. He puts his head down while I'm scolding him but as soon as he leaves (regardless how long I make him sit there) he's happy and it's play time and the tail is wagging.

Obviously these methods of training have clearly not worked so I'd like to hear some alternatives. Maybe this is a common problem?

Thanks for any input,
Ryan

Marty11

May 7th, 2009, 08:56 AM

My opinion is small dogs are stubborn and hard to train. I have a trained manchester terrier male, and and untrained boston terrier female. You have to watch for the signs and put the dog out often. And going back to crate training helps, then there is no opportunity to go to the washroom. Instead of negative training, try positive training by rewarding when he does go outside with treats or lots of praise.

kandy

May 7th, 2009, 03:03 PM

If you get angry at the dog (rubbing the nose in it, etc) what you are creating is a dog that will hide to do it's business. The dog doesn't associate WHERE he pottied with your anger, all he knows is that when you see his waste, you get mad - so he'll try to make sure you don't see it. Him putting his head down is not indicating that he knows he was wrong, it is a calming gesture meant to direct your anger someplace other than him. People often mistake these kinds of gestures as proof that the dog knows he is guilty.

If there are no medical issues to be dealt with - then you must start at the beginning for house training. Take the dog outside often, stay with him, and praise like crazy when he goes outside. This is likely going to take a while since it is very possible he will avoid pottying in front of you until you regain his trust. In the meantime - never, ever get mad at the dog for going in the house. If you happen to catch him squatting, then give a firm NO and take him outside immediately. If you don't catch him in the act, don't react. You can also take any poop piles outside to the spot where you take him to potty and put it there. Then when you take him to that spot outside, he'll smell his own waste and it may encourage him to use that area. Clean up all indoor accidents with an enzyme cleaner to take away the smell - if you don't then the smell entices the dog to continue to use that spot.

cheribob

May 18th, 2009, 03:30 AM

Invest in several belly bands. Believe me they will save your sanity! I rescued a little male Maltese with potty issues & I always made him wear a belly band.

You can buy them on-line. Just search on belly band.

lUvMyLaB<3

May 18th, 2009, 07:57 PM

This is part of having a dog, and if you want it fixed you need to commit yourself for the next little while. Your dog has been getting mixed messages and has no idea that peeing in the house is bad, and doesn't why sometimes you get angry.. He cannot train himself, especially when he has no idea what he is doing wrong and what he is supposed to be doing..

You need to keep eyes on the dog at all times when in the house, attach a leash to you and to the dog. If you cannot have the dog with you, put him in the kennel. Take him outside at regular times, after eating and drinking after play and after naps. When he goes outside have a party. If you catch him squatting in the house clap your hands and say no, go outside and praise when he goes. Every time the dog has gone in the house without someone seeing it has reinforced it, if it happens again it will take you 2 steps back.

Please don't punish your dog that way. He had no idea what he was doing was wrong. That and it will also not fix anything, that 'training' doesn't work. It will only make him lose trust in you, and it will make him pee in the house more.

You need to be positive and consistent, If you are not consistent and there is an accident than the only one you can blame is yourself. I know it can be a long and frustrating process, but patience and hard work will pay off. There is no such thing as a dog that cannot be trained to go outside so there is a light at the end of the tunnel I promise!

mafiaprincess

May 18th, 2009, 09:46 PM

Your dog doesn't know better. If it goes in the house.. you can rub your own nose in it as you are the one who wasn't watching. Rubbing a dog's nose in their bodily fluids will teach them to fear you and hide any elimination as it apparently makes you turn into a crazy person.

Previous people have mentioned rule out medical causes first.. Then you need to go back to housetraining 101. Can't watch the dog, confine it. Baby gate it into the room you are in for control.. can't leash the dog to you. You have to reteach your dog the toilet behaviour you want.